Downtown Drinks?

Although I prefer to gamble downtown, I haven't found the quality of "fancy" drinks (Lemon Drop Martini, Sidecar, etc) at the casino bars to be nearly as good as on the Strip. Which casino bars downtown make the best cocktails, and what do you think are their best drinks?

 

Go to mainstreet station and put a 20 in the vp at the bar. Order your favorite drink and call the liquor. You will be satisfied. If you need a suggestion try a Stoplight. My wife had one two years ago and raved on her way to the room for a quick nap. I am sure their are other suggestions but MSS is my only experience (have not heard the reported strip comment of "sorry can't comp that to you". Good luck

 

I agree that MSS is great for drinks at the bar. However, last week I was asked to pay for a Maker's Mark while playing VP there. I told the young bartender I was always comped Maker's there. He then asked if I was playing max credits! For a minute I thought I was on the Strip! In the end I was comped the drink. I only wished that Jose was working to straighten things out. I still think this is the best bar downtown.
Good luck.

 

I spend most of my time drinking at Claude's Bar, in the Golden Nugget, and they seem to always be knocking out cocktails, as well as the usual stuff.

I pay for most of my drinks, as I play enough poker in the cardroom, and am way too lazy to play at the bar, too. However, I'm quite sure they comp almost any drinks, if you're playing.

 

El Cortez has a cocktail menu in the Parlour Bar which is pretty good. They're five to eight bucks. The bartenders are not supposed to comp them but they usually do if you're playing and tipping. They used to have fresh mint for the mojitos. It's a little stuffy and the VP is fifty cent minimum. They have decent small plates available at happy hour.

 

Not a casino bar and maybe a bit off topic but the best cocktails downtown is at Downtown Cocktail Room. Easy to get to from Fremont.

 

Go to the D. Richard is the evening bartender ask him for a JUNEBUG. He is the Best Bartender downtown and will certainly fix you up with a frilly lil drink.....Be carefull when drinking the JuneBug. Taste great but has lotsa alcohol! ☆☆☆☆

 

The Junebug is a great drink and a thing of beauty when mixed correctly, I get them all the time when vacationing on Gulf of Mexico

 

I really appreciate the tips!
What's in a Junebug?

 

Another slightly off topic suggestion - go to Groupon and get a $20 or $40 one for the Vanguard Lounge at half the stated value ($10 or $20 cost to you). If they're running one of their frequent 20% off specials it's even less. Enjoy some craft cocktails in East Fremont for around $5 each using the Groupon. We do it every trip.

 

Another vote for Main Street Station.They have a few really good and experienced bartenders (like Jose) and they will comp you good drinks while playing 9/6 JOB VP at the bar. I'm not big on fancy drinks, but I do margaritas occasionally. Just ask for a good margarita and they will give you a premium one.

 

Is Jose pronounced ho-zay or jo-zee/ ? I asked him a number of years ago, but I regrettably have forgotten and he treats us well. Thanks.

 

H answers to "ho--say" when I ask him for something

 

Got it.
If I recall correctly, he's been there since the year after Boyd's took over. Almost always has a smile for you. A true professional.

 

Chicago Brewing upstairs in 4Q's. Great people there.

 

I only drink beer, so I also like the Boars Head Bar at MSS when I am gambling. I miss some of the old staff there, but they are all still friendly. I think the staff at The Parlour at the El Cortez and Chicago Brewing at 4Q are also top-flight. The Parlour does tend to be quiet and I've heard they make great cocktails as well.

But when I'm paying for the drinks, my favorite is Banger Brewing.

 

Googled the recipe for a June Bug. What a great sounding drink! Can't wait to try one on my next trip!

 

Boars head MMS

 

For beer. Banger Brewery has a groupon and happy hour prices nest to HAG and a view of the scale.

 

I had a great experience on a Sunday night at Chicago Brewing at QQQQ. I was the only one there and asked if they comped their beer for playing VP. Bartender said 'buddy, youre the only one here, as long as youre playing I'll pour you whatever you want'. I was fine with their craft beer, but man, what a way to make a quarter VP player feel like a million bucks!